Variable value postage machine



E. c.wAH| eERG 3,451,519

VARIABLE VALUE POSTAGE MACHINE I june 24, 1969 sheet @f4 Filed June 7. 1966 L 8 L W.. 8 lkw R `June 24, 1969 r-zv c. WAHLBERG 3,451,519

VARIABLE VALUE POSTAGE MACHINE 'Sheet of4 Filved June 7, 1966 .Tn va E rca INVENTOR.

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VARIABLE VALUE POSTAGE MACHINE Filed June 7. 1965 sheet 3 ,of 4

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VARIABLE` VALUE POSTAGE MACHINE Filed June 7, 196e sheet 4 of 4 'm @ggg o STAMP INS. :F.. climas |77 m 19659 H7 H5 @51o MN i 7A O/l 1H A fc5@ /7 O T5- r C7 INVENTOR.

United States Patent() 3,451,519 VARIABLE VALUE POSTAGE MACHINE Eric C. Wahlberg, 32 8th St., Stamford, Conn. 06905 Filed June 7, 1966, Ser. No. 556,816 Int. Cl. G07d 1 7/ 00 U.S. Cl. 194-4 22 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A variable value postage machine comprising ap paratus for manually setting the cost of mailing an item into the machine, a currency detector for validating currency inserted in the machine and representing its total value and circuitry for comparing the cost with the currency value and issuing change and either stamps and/or a printed tape whereby the cost of mailing an object is determined independently of the machine and then inserted into the machine -along with currency equal to or greater than the cost and the machine issues mailing indica such as stamps and/or a printed tape in accordance with the mailing cost along with change for any overpayment.

The present invention pertains to a currency actuated machine for dispensing printed material and more particularly to a postage machine for dispensing mailing indicia.

There is a great need for automated postal devices due to the manpower expense in attempting to provide adequate service in locations handling a great volume of mail such as post oliices and shopping centers. Furthermore, 'automated postal devices prevent the waste of manpower in remote areas with little mailing activity. Since such devices must be operated by the mailer they must be simple to operate, and they must be reliable so that the frequency of servicing can be limited and so that the time required to mail an item is short.

In the past, such automation has been sought by merely providing a vending machine for postage stamps whereby a mailer determines the cost of mailing his package or letter and then purchases the required amount of postage stamps from the vending machine. This system has not been eiTective due to its ineciency. That is, in order to mail a package it must rst be weighed and the mailing cost determined therefrom. The mailer must then go to the vending machine to purchase the required postage; and, if he does not have the correct change he must go to a dollar bill changer or other change making device to obtain the correct change and then return to the vending machine to complete his purchase of the required postage. This procedure is time consuming and cumbersome and causes backups when used at locations handling any volume of mail. It is at these locations that automated postal devices are most desired; and, consequently, the above describe automation system fails to achieve its intended purpose.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to combine the operations of postage issuing and change making in one machine which dispenses a printed tape equal to the postage required and also provides change for overpayments to the machine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a variable value postage machine in which the cost of mailing an item is set into the machine and then compared with money inserted in the machine to dispense a printed postage tape and change equal to the difference to the cost and the money inserted.

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The present invention has another object in that a variable value postage machine is provided with a meter register so that the cost of mailing an item is subtracted from the meter register upon the insertion of a key `and a printed postage tape is issued without the insertion of money.

Another object of the present invention is to dispense change in a money actuated device by using a minimum number of monetary denominations.

A further object of the present invention is to provide change dispensing apparatus that dis-penses change in the largest monetary denominations.

The present invention is generally characterized in that a postage machine includes a mechanism for representing the cost of mailing an object, means for totaling the amount of money inserted in the machine, comparison apparatus for comparing the cost with the total money inserted and lapparatus -for dispensing a receipt and change equal to the difference of the cost and the total money inserted.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 are schematic diagrams of the circuitry used in the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation with parts in section of a manually operated switch of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the machine of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a view with parts in section of the bill changing apparatus of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a cutaway view of the machine of FIG. 5.

Briefly, the present disclosure includes a scale, such as is used in the post oiiice, whereby a package may be weighed and the cost of transporting the package to its destination may be determined by the destination zone column and the weight. The cost is placed in the machine by setting the levers at the correct values. Such special services as insurance, special delivery, etc., may be placed in the machine by the mailer and the total value calculated. It the customer has deposited enough money to cover the indicated value, a receipt with the cost and any selected special services printed on it is issued. This receipt is adapted to be secured to the package for mailing. Should excess currency have been placed in the machine, the excess currency would be returned to the user.

It will be understood that while one embodiment disclosed relates to issuance of postage and postal information stamps and/or receipts on payment of charges in money, another embodiment disclosed accepts payment by means of registering the amount of the transaction against a meter setting, such as used in postage meters, whereby stamps or printed tape may be issued up to a predetermined value as indicated by settings made by the post ollice. It is noted that other types of intangible information could -be accepted by the device and that the information generated could be other than those of currency and postage. It is valso noted that indicia may be imparted to the receipt with the use of magnetic ink or phosphorescence.

In general, the embodiment described below is for installation at a local post office or in the mail room of large volume mailers.

Assuming ya person with a parcel approaches the machine, he would notice a scale and a device with a group of levers, on a shelf together with a key switch, currency receiving slots, additional levers designated with a special service notation, la value indicator, a receptacle for receiving change and the stamped tape, and an instruction panel. The instruction panel would explain the steps for operating the combination when mailing a package or the like.

The instruction panel discloses that the user should place the package on the scale and read the value under the proper zone column on the drum for the indicated weight.

The user then places the levers on the shelf in the positions which reflect the value read on the scale drum. Further information may be given by the use-r to the machine by means of control switches on the panel. The iirst control indicates insurance, the next indicates special delivery, the next indicates airmail, ctc. The amount is posted in full view of the user.

If the user has deposited the correct amount of money in the machine, the printing assembly is activated by pushing the start button. If more money has been deposited, activation takes place by pushing start button and, by pushing change button, the change is deposited in the receptacle.

However, if the post oiiice has granted him a key and he has paid for postage evidenced by the setting of the meter, he may switch from the currency circuit to the register actuating circuit by inserting the key in the key switch provided on the console and pushing the start button. The value Will 'be subtracted from the post office meter setting and the printed tape issued.

A patron may also wish to have one or more services and a tape stamp for each. In such a case he would insert the various information data into the machine one at a time and receive a tape stamp for each service by pushing the start button after each data entrance.

By incorporating special services circuits, the machine may be adapted to calculate the currency necessary to process the package for any number of services and receive a posted total ligure for the various services contracted by pushing the start button after having deposited the money indicated. The patron would still have the choice of satisfying the cost with currency or by prepurchased register setting from the post office by the mere ability to insert the key mentioned above.

In all instances mentioned above the print wheels are positioned by the machine to reflect the machine intelligence. A tape stamp printed with this information is issued and the patron places it on the package before placing the package in the post otiice bin for shipment.

Referring to FIG. 5, a scale 110 is located on a table 120 in proximity to a machine 13. The scale has a window 111 where Weight and Zone destination are used to determine a cost ligure. The postal machine has a front face 13 on which are located receiving means 114 and 20 for coins and bills, respectively, pushbuttons S6, S7, S8 and S10 and a receptacle 17. The machine is provided with a shelf 113 on which are located value setting levers 117 and a key switch S9. A receptacle 17 serves to receive excess currency and a stamped tape issued by the machine.

Machine 13 houses a postage meter shown in FIG. 7, currency receiving and change making apparatus, shown in FIG. 6, and controls circuitry shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

Referring to FIG. 7, the postage -meter is shown with value setting levers 117 extending above shelf 113. Beneath the shelf 113 is located the postage meter having a print head assembly 10, a tape compartment TS a pressure roll PM, a tape guide and feed 592, a tape conveyor C50, receptacle 17, and bill change conveyors C1 and Cla.

Referring to FIG. 4, one of the value setting levers 17 is shown in relation to postage meter setting gears 46, 45 and a rack 37 in a shaft 21 supported -by a bearing 30 in base 13. These gears control the value printed by print head 10 and in register wheels 115. A lever 19 is connected to lever 117 by a pin 18 at one end and to a lever 16 by means of a pin 15 at the other end. Lever 16 is fixed to a shaft 14 of a gear 11. Gear 11 engages a gear 9 xedly mounted to a shaft 9 of a multicontact rotary 4 switch SW1. Connections to contacts are designated by reference numeral 7.

Referring to FIG. 6, a bill validator is mounted in machine 13 together with a limit switch LS6 guarding the output of the bill validator. A conveyor C6 extends from the output of the bill validator to a second conveyor C7. Conveyor C7 is rotatably mounted on shaft 33. A third conveyor C5 cooperates with the output of a conveyor C7 and the input of conveyor C4, not shown. In a similar manner conveyors C4, C3, and C2 cooperate with conveyors preceding and following them, conveyor C1 feeds into receptacle 17. Limit switches LS1, LSZ, LS3 (not shown), LS4 (not shown), LSS and LS6 control the operation of the conveyors through the circuitry of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 and are located with their corresponding conveyors. The output of tape conveyor C50 is shown as opening into receptacle 17 while a coin chute 140 is shown also connected to receptacle 17.

The circuitry for operating the instant new postage machine comprises in general, a meter matching circuit and coin and currency pulse circuits each of which feeds a matching circuit which has an output that feeds the change circuit to actuate a pulse generator circuit to make change in coins as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. The total change is deposited in tray 17 as is the stamped tape.

The coin insertion circuitry of the money input pulse circuit includes limit switches LS7 through LS11 of FIG. 1, and the bill insertion circuitry includes the bill validators shown in FIG. 3 and limit switches LS12, LS13 and LS14 in FIG. l. The output of the coin and bill circuits is connected to a money pulse generating circuit, the output of which is connected to a currency value representation circuit in the matching circuit of FIG. 1.

The matching circuit has an output connected to the change pulse generating circuit of FIG. 2 and another output connected to the print and tape advance 4mechanisms of FIG. 3.

The change circuitry of FIG. 2 includes change pulse circuit responsive to the output of the matching circuit, and further includes a to change pulse generator circuit connected to a coin change circuit and a -bill change circuit. The change circuitry also includes circuitry as represented by change in units, tens and hundreds as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, all of which are connected to a receptacle 17.

The start circuit represented by switch S1 is connected to the money matching circuit as represented by R and SS20, SS21, SS22 and S86. The change circuit is initiated by switch S10 and is connected to the change pulse generating circuit of FIG. 2 as represented by R20. The machine is switched from currency operation to meter operation iby switch S9 which deenergizes currency circuit and energizes the clutch to subtract the cost irom the meter register.

Operation of postage machine The iirst step is to determine the cost required to service the package by reading the amount indicated on the drum of the scale opposite the weight indicated and in the column representing the zone of the destination of the package.

The next step is to deposit in the machine at least the amount. of money indicated above. This amount may be in any denomination as the machine will define the value through the coin acceptance and bill validator units through which the currency will pass. Hence, pennies will step stepping switch SS1 directly through LS7, P31, and P54. Nickels will step S51 five times by means of limit switch LS8 through S831. Dimes will step SSZ through limit switch LS9. Quarters will step switches SSl and SS2 through limit switch LS10, stepping switches SS30 and S831. Switch SSZ is stepped twice and SSI is steppedfive times for each quarter. Half dollar coins step switch SSZ through limit switch 1.811, relay R29 and switch S830 five times. A one dollar bill steps switch S83 once through limit switch LS12. A five dollar bill steps switch SS3 through limit switch LS13, P6, and switch S84 tive times. A ten dollar bill steps switch 885 once through limit switch L81'4. Thus the predetermined amount of money may be inserted to cover cost of servicing the package.

Any number of levers on the meter M may be used but for the circuitry shown, only three are used. The customer sets the levers to the amount indicated by the drum referred to above the furthest to the right for units, the next to the left for tens and the next to the left for dollars.

The start button 81 is pushed and relay R90 locks itself in and energizes S820, S821 and 8822. When arms 201, 202, and 203 of corresponding switches S820, S821, and 8822 match arms 210, 211, and 212 of corresponding switches SWL, SW2 and SW3, R101, R102, and R103 will be energized causing P101, P102, P103 to open and switches SS20, 8821, 8822 to stop stepping. Also R18 is energized which causes the postage motor MT to start through relay RM to actuate the print drum and tape issuing mechanism T8, PM, and conveyor C50, shown in FIG. 7.

If the cost as represented by switches S820, S821, S822, and 886 is less than the money inserted as represented by stepping switches S81, S82, S83, and S85, then switches S820, 8821, 8822, and 886 may be caused to step by pushing change switch 810 Which energizes R20 and closes contacts P20 in the above switch circuits. As a result of the stepping of switches SS20, 8821, S822 and S86, circuits are established through the appropriate banks of stepping switches S840, S841 and S842 to provide the correct change value. Stepping switch S820 steps S840, stepping switch 8821 steps 8841 and stepping switch 8822 steps switch S842.

Stepping switches 8820, 8821, 8822 and 886 are stepped until relays R1, R2, R3, R5, and R59 are energized through corresponding banks of stepping switches S81, S82, SS3, and SSS.

The number of units change is now registered on switch S840. The number of tens change is now registered on 8841. The dollar bills are registered on switch S842. By following the circuits of energized relays R41 and R42, the correct number of nickels, dimes, quarters, and halves will be issued when contacts P22 are closed. Pennies are issued by the circuits assocated with the banks of stepping switch 8840; banks and, if the number is greater than live, the number above live will be issued and the equivalent of a nickel will be registered in the relay network of switch S81. If there are less than live, that number will be issued with no nickel transfer.

Similarly the number of dollars is determined by the issued position of 8842. If the value is greater than tive, the number of singles above five will be issued plus a ve dollar bill. If the value is less than ve, only that number of singles will be issued. The issuing will begin only when contact P21 is closed, as determined by stepping switches SS3 and 8822.

Dollar changer L81, L82, L83, L84, L85, and L86 are limited switches which control the corresponding clutches for moving the conveyors C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, and C7. These conveyors cooperate with bill validator 20.

If stepping switch 8842 has been stepped by pulses generated when 8822 was stepped to match 883, the number of dollars required to balance cost and money received is represented on stepping switch 8842. Contact P21 closes as a result of dollar stepping switch S822 and money inserted switch SS3 having matched. This causes relay R23 to energize through S842 and P21 and closes the circuit to relay R26 if there is a bill in the conveyor C1 as evidenced by LSla being closed. This causes switch 8842 to step back one. When the dollar bill on conveyor C1 has passed out the conveyor and another has entered, the above circuit is ready to deliver the second in a similar operation of the circuit provided the S842 has not reached the home position. This continues until either the sixth contact representing $5 has been reached or the first or home contact is reached. Limit switch L81a indicates by its closed position that there is a bill in the conveyor C1. Likewise, limit switch LSlb indicates that there is a bill in the conveyor C1 when it is open. Closing contact P23 and limit switch LSla energizes relay R26 which closes contact P26 and energizes clutch CL1 to move a bill out into receptacle 17. When the bill is out of conveyor C1, limit switch LSla will open causing R26 to deenergize and open t-he circuit to conveyor C1, but limit switch L81b closes to keep conveyor clutch CL1 energized and C1 running. Conveyor C1 will continue to operate until limit switch L81b opens. LSlb opens when a b bill from conveyor C2 has proceeded to a predetermined position in conveyor C1. A bill will be fed from C2 only if limit switch LSZa indicates by its closed position that there is a bill in conveyor C2 and if limit switch L81c is closed indicating that there is no bill in conveyor C1. Since conveyor C2 will have no bill after transfer to conveyor C1, limit switch LS2b is closed and if conveyor C3 has a bill in it, clutch CL3 will be energized to feed a bill into conveyor C2. This continues until the bill has left conveyor C3. Additional bills are passed out of C1 by the backward stepping of switch SSZ as it is sequenced by limit switch LSla and contact P2 If stepping switch S842 passes contact six, R24 is energized and the dollar bill circuit is opened by contact P24. Stepping switch S842 is then stepped to the zero contact without operating dollar bill conveyors C1 through C5. But, as with dollar conveyors C1 through C7, relay R24 causes conveyor Cla to convey a bill to receptacle 17. Empty conveyor Cla is filled from a similar conveyor C2a ahead of it in the same manner as described above. The bills in the C1a conveyor are of the $5 denomination.

If a one dollar bill is inserted in the discriminator and passed, it Will actuate `limit switch L86 to energize conveyor clutch `CL6 and cause output conveyor C6 to run. When the bill has passed limit switch L86, conveyor C6 will stop. If conveyors C1 through C5 are full and there is a bill in the output end of conveyor C7, -this last bill will be deposited in the bill hopper 32 as the conveyor C6 receives the bill from the discrimina-tor 20. If conveyors C1 through C5 are not filled, the bill will be fed into conveyor C5. The same procedure is followed for the $5 circuit. Thus change up to $9.99 can be issued with the embodiment shown. The embodiment can be easily extended by those skilled in this art to issue greater amounts of change. The $10 discriminator is shown in phantom in the circuit schematic, but it is understood that one is needed if there is a need for $5 change circuitry.

The tilting of -conveyor C7 about shaft 33 is controlled by limit switch LSSc which controls CHI.

Operation of circuits Stepping switch S81 is stepped once for each penny inserted. Pennies operate limit switch L87 to step S81 once through contact-s vP31 and P54. Also switch S81 is stepped ve times for each nickel and 25 coin inserted. Nickels operate limit switch L88 to step vswitch S81 through switch S831 and contacts P30 and P54. The stepping of 8831 is controlled by the stepping circuit of 881 through contact P54 in the S831 circuit, thus insuring correct count. A 25o coin operates limit switch L810 to energize relay R28. This closes contacts P28 in the S831 and 8830` stepping switch circuits. As in the case of nickels described above SS31 pulses S81 ve times for the live value above the even tens count of the quarter. Contact P28 in the S830 circuit causes S830 to step and to pulse S82 twice through the P28, 8830, R27 relay circuit and 7 P27 in the S52 circuit. As in the stepping of S531, S530 is controlled by contact P55 of relay R55 to assure correct count. A 50dl coin operates limit switch L511 to energize relay R29. This closes contact P29 in the S530 circuits i to cause S530 to step and pulse S520 tive times through P29, S530, R27 relay circuit and P27 in the S52 circuit.

Stepping switch SSS is stepped once for each dollar. A dollar bill operates limit switch LS12 which steps stepping switch SSS once thru contacts P31 and P56. A tive dollar bill operates limit switch L513 to energize relay R6. Contact P6 closes in the S54 circuit to cause S54 to step S53 ve times through P6, energize relay R8 and in S53 circuit contact P8. The stepping of S530 is controlled by the stepping circuit of S54 by P56.

When stepping switch 551 reaches the tenth position, relay R3 is energized and steps stepping switch 552 once through contacts P3 and P55.

When stepping switch S52 reaches the tenth position, relay R4 is energized and steps stepping switch 55S once through contacts P4 and P56.

When stepping switch S53 reaches the tenth position, relay R58 is energized and steps stepping switch S55 once through contacts P58 and PS7.

Stepping switch S55 is stepped once for each $10 bill. A bill operates limit switch LS14 and steps switch S55 through contact P57.

Coin solenoid 36a operates when coin limit switch LS73 is actuated. As a coin enters the coin chute 26, limit switch LS73 is actuated. This causes the coin solenoid to operate to allow no other coin to enter until the present one is counted into the computing circuit. A timer Tr3 is operated by limit switch 1.573 through R71 to give sufficient time for each coin to be counted. In the circuit, limit switch LS73 closes to energize relay R71 which in turn locks itself in through contact T3 and contact P71. Relay R71 also closes the circuit to timer TrS through contact P71. Timer TrS is locked through contacts T3 to hold the coin solenoid in the circuit for a present time as measured by suitable cam` rotation (not shown) or elapsed time magnetic delay circuits as understood 4by those skilled in the art. In other words, timer TrS provides a unique smoothing operation of different contact responses of relays to prevent false counting in the circuit networks.

-Rotary switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 are actuated by means of value -setting levers 117 on shelf 113. SW1 represents units, SW2 represents tens and SWS represents dollars. Thus these switches represent the value that will be placed on the tape or other item and issued from the machine.

Stepping switches SS20, SS21 and S522 serve two purposes. They serve as matching switches to corresponding switches SW1, SW2 and SW3, and they also serve as -pulse lgenerators when operated to match corresponding switches S51, 552, and 555 `to determine change requirements.

In the first instance, when the switches SS20, S522, and SS21 have matched their respective counterpart switches SW1, SW3, and SW2, the value of the indicia to be printed is represented on the contacts of switches S520, S521, SS22. If at the same time SS20, S521, and 5522 have not matched their respective switches 551, S52, SSS, the change required is represented by the respective pulses remaining on each stepper 5520, S521 and S522, to bring about a matching condition with S51, S52, and 553, respectively.

To initiate operation `of SS20, S521 and S522, switch S1 is pushed to close the circuit to relay R90. Each stepper is then stepped through its own self interrupter switch designated as Iss20, Iss-21 and Iss22 until arms 201, 202, and S lmatch corresponding arms 210 211, and 212. At this point R101, R102, and R103 are correspondingly energized to open contacts P101, P102, and `P103 in the stepping circuits of SS20, 5521 and SS22. Thus, these switches are stopped.

If arms 220, 221, 222, and 223 of switches 5520, SS21, S522 and S526, respectively, match arms 230, 231, 232, and 233, relays R1, R2, R5 and R59 are energized by the closing of contacts P1, P2, PS and P59 thereby energizing R39. As a result R72 is energized. This causes all steppers to reset (S520, SS21, SS22, S56, S51, 552, 553 and 555) through their respective offneutral circuits to zero. In the meantime, however, relay R in the start circuit has `been deenergized :through opening of contacts P18. The machine is now ready for the next operation reuse and resetting of value levers 117.

If arms 220, 221, 222, and 223 do not match corresponding arms 2S0i, 231, 232, and 233, they can be made to correspond by pushing change switch S10. ri`his causes R20 t0 be energized and locked in through contacts P1 or P2 or P3 or P59 and P39. This causes a circuit of each stepper SS20, SS21, 5522 and S563 to be energized provided that the switch ahead of it has reached match point as represented vby the closing of P1, P2, and P5 in their respective circuits. When the respective switches in their order reach match point, contacts P1, P2, P5 and P59 will open the stepping circuits of corresponding Steppers SS20, SS21, S522 and 556. While this has been happening, contact P20 has also closed in a separate bank of each switch. This closes the circuit S540, 5541 and 55421-7. As a result of SS20, SS21 and SS22 stepping, pulses are generated from the irrespective banks 'by their respective arms 240, 241, and 242 passing from one contact to the next. These pulses serve to pulse S540, S541 and 5S42F one step for each contact passed. The rate of stepping of S520, SS21 and SS22 is controlled by relays R68, R69 and R70 in the S540, S541, and S542F stepping circuitry. Energizing of R68 opens P68 in the stepping circuit of 5520 thus stopping the stepping of S20 until R68 is deenergized by S540F having completed its step thus closing P68 in the S520 stepping circuit. This is repeated until match point is reached. It is also repeated in the SS21 and S541 circuit and the SS22 and SS42F circuit. This assures the correct count of pulses from SS20, SS21 and S523 by S540F, S541 and SS42F.

When arms 220, 221, 222 and 223 match arms 230, 231, 232 and 233, the stepping of SS20, SS21, SS22, and S563 stops since R1, R2, R5 and R59 are energized as explained above.

Since R1 has been energized., P1 will energize the circuitry for reverse stepping S540R. Switch S540 will step backwards as monitored -by timer Tr2. If the wiping arm of stepping switch S540 is `beyond the sixth contact, pennies will 4he released from the penny tube in the amount indicated by the number of contacts beyond the sixth. When the sixth contact is reached, relay R42 is energized causing itself to be locked into the circuit through contacts P42 and P1 or P91 and ONSS40. The penny release circuit for yy7 is opened by contact P42 so that further backward stepping does not release further pennies. However, if the contact arm does not reach the sixth position before backward stepping commences, penny release will occur as above. Energizing of relay R42 also closes contact P42 in relay R53 circuit and the Se coin release circuit. To assure that 5540 will reach zero position on stepping backwards, relay R91 is placed in series with contact P1. When P1 closes, it closes the circuit to R91 causing the stepping circuit of S540 to be locked in through ON5S40 and P91. When S540 reaches zero ONSS40 opens the circuit to the stepping circuit.

As previously described, 5541 has Ibeen pulsed to a position representing the tens units of change required. Each contact of S541 is connected to a relay, and or the contact arm of 5541 sequentially makes contact with the contacts of 551 the corresponding relay is energized and locks itself in, and in some cases drops out the previously energized relays. In the coin release circuit, the contacts of the relays mentioned above determine the type and number of coins to rbe issued. As an example, if the stepping switch contact arm is shown in the circuit positioned on the fourth contact it means that thirty cents will be required to make change. This indicates that relay R43 should be energized and locked in. In so doing, however, the previously energized relays R44 and R45 are deenergized. In the coin release circuit the closure of contacts P43 indicate that the 25e solenoid and the nickel solenoid yyS will be energized when contact P22 closes. When P2 closes on matching of stepping switches S821 and S82, the two solenoids yy2 and yyS will be energized and release one quarter and one nickel from their respective coin tubes.

The total change in coins is dispensed from solenoids yyl, yy2, yy3, yy4, yyS, yy6 and yy7 which emit l'iftycent pieces, quarters, dimes, dimes, nickels, nickels and pennies, respectively. Thus if 67 cents change is to be dispensed, R47 is energized along with R4L to energize solenoids yyl and yy3 and emit a fifty cent and a dime, and solenoid yy6t will be energized by the closure of contacts 42 to emit a nickel. Two pennies will be dispensed from solenoid yy7 as it is pulsed twice -by the backward stepping of S840; and, consequently, 67 cents is dispensed using the highest possible denomination coins to provide the fewest possible number. Relay R53 is utilized to cause the dispensing of a quarter when 25 cents change is required and a fifty-cent .piece and a quarter when 75 cents change is required thereby avoiding the dispensing of nickels and dimes for these operations. If it is not desired to use fty cent pieces, the system can be designed to dispense two quarters therefor.

As previously described, S842 has been pulsed to a position representing the dollars of change required. Relay R has been energized thus shifting circuitry from forward motion to backward motion by contact P5. If the contact arm of switch S842 is positioned -beyond the sixth contact, relay R23 will be pulsed once for each contact beyond the sixth. When the contact arm arrives at the sixth contact, relay R24 is energized and locked in through limit switch LS21, and contact P25 will then step switch 8842 -backward to off-neutral without further pulsing relay R23 since contact P25 is open. However, if the contact arm has not reached the sixth contact in its forward motion, relay R23 will be pulsed as the stepping switch moves backward to the neutral position. When the contact arm of switch S842 is energizing, relay R23, and, if there is a dollar bill in conveyor C1, relay R26 are energized. This energizes clutch CL1 and starts conveyor C1 and subsequently C2, C3, C4, and C5 to dispense the dollar bill. The subsequent conveyors are used to replenish the bill supply to conveyor C1. Meanwhile S842 has stepped back one step. When the bill is out of the conveyor, as indicated by LSla `being open, relay R26 is deenergized. This mode of operation of the circuit continues as long as there are bills in conveyors C1 through C6 or until 8842 bas reached olf-neutral.

When conveyor C1 is empty, limit switch L81a is closed and conveyor C1 continues to run. Also, conveyor C2 continues to run because limit switch LSlb is closed and the position of limit switch L82@ indicates a bill in conveyor C2. Thus, the bill in conveyor C2 will be fed into conveyor C1 until LSla opens and deenergizes clutch CL1 to stop the conveyor C1. Conveyor C2 will continue to run because limit switch L81c has shifted to continue to energize conveyor clutch CL2. The clutches of the `above conveyors are energized and deenergized to feed bills to the conveyors in front of them until all conveyors are filled as indicated by open circuits to their respective clutches. As many of these conveyors may be placed in series as is practical for making change n dollar bills.

In a similar manner, when the contact arm of switch 8842 is on the sixth contact, relay R24 is energized and in turn energizes relay R25 through contact P24. This steps switch 8842 to off-neutral position, and clutch CL21 is energized to convey a $5 bill out of conveyor Cla. Relay R25 is deenergized when 8842 is at off-neutral. The clutch of the second conveyor C2a for $5 bills will continue to run until another $5 bill has been placed in conveyor Cla in the same manner as for $1 bills.

The $5 bill identifier conveyor system of bill validator 20a operates in the same manner as $1 bill identifier 20. That is, when a comes out of the identifier it trips limit switch L826 which causes the magnetic clutches to be energized and drive conveyors C21a, C7a, C2a and Cla. This causes the bill to be picked up by the conveyor. If the conveyors are full, the bill from the end of conveyor C7a will be deposited in hopper 32a by the swinging of the conveyor C7a about pivot point C7a. A solenoid CH2 may be used to pivot same and a limit switch LS23 to open the circuit to allow solenoid CH2 to release conveyor C7a to its normal position of feeding conveyor C2a.

The machine may be reset automatically by relay R72 which is controlled by relay R39 which in turn is controlled by relays R39 and R1, R2, R5, and R59, and ONSS40, ONSS41, and ONSS42. The machine is ready for its next operation when R72 is deenergized.

Normal switches and fuses may be added, as desired, to the c circuit for safety and circuit protection.

It is evident that data may be translated into printed form or visual records or incorporated into data storage apparatus and the like by appropriately connecting such equipment to the machine as understood by those skilled in the art.

A postage meter unit generally comprises a rotatable printing drum 10 having numeral type wheels 111 mounted therein, the drum being supported on a drum shaft 12, which shaft is suitably supported by frame 13 as shown in FIG. 4. The shaft 12 is adapted to be driven by a suitable ldrive means, such as a spiral gear drive indicated at 214. A registering mechanism is mounted together with register actuating means as is well known to the art. Manual setting means 117 provides adjustment of the value type wheels and register actuating mechanism.

The type wheels 111 are carried on a shaft 118 mounted within the printing drum 10, and each type wheel has a pinion 119 connected to it. The type wheel pinions may be adjusted by movable rack bars 21 through intermediate segmental gear members 22, each gear member 22 including an outer toothed segment 120. The longitudinally movable rack bars 21 are slideably mounted within longitudinal recesses in the drum shaft 12 and are constructed to provide alignment of the toothed portion thereof, and for their meshed engagement with intermediate segmented gear portions. The rack bars 21 extend from the drum 10 into the meter frame 13 and are located within the drum shaft in pairs on opposite sides.

The drum shaft 12 is provided with cylindrical rack teeth and the rack bars have rack teeth which are adapted to become aligned with the cylindrical rack teeth in any adjusted position of the rack.

Variable toothed actuator gears 25 are mounted on spline shafts 26 which are suitably supported within frame 13. Two actuator gears are mounted on one shaft and two are mounted on another shaft, and the two shafts are positioned on opposite sides of the drum shaft 12. Each actuator gear has nine tooth groups of toothed sectors numbering from 1 to 9, and each gear is adapted to be adjusted along its associated shaft to move a desired toothed sector into operative alignment with an associated six-toothed pinion. The six-toothed pinions mesh with intermediate gears 28 which, through other intermediate gears 28a and associated gearing 29 will provide a drive for the four numeral wheels of the lowest denomination of the registering mechanism.

The splined shaft 26 for the register is driven from the main shaft 21 through a clutch 170 to which is mounted a gear 30. Gear 30 meshes with a gear 31 on each of the splined shafts.

By means of manual setting mechanism 117 and settable slide bars 32, both gears 25 and rack bars 22 may be adjusted longitudinally to positions conforming to the value which is desired to print and register. Each slide bar 32 has a tongue portion 33 adapted to engage a groove 34 in an associated actuator gear 25 and further has a horizontally disposed rack portion having teeth which match with the rack toothed portion of the rack bars 21. The slideable bars 32 further have rack teeth 37 which mesh with associated pinions 46. Pinions 46 are mounted on shafts 39, which shafts are supported in a suitable bearing forming part of the frame structure 13.

Setting levers 117 are adapted to be rocked about a shaft 43 which shaft is mounted on bearings. Each setting lever has a segmental gear portion 45 joined therewith, which is adapted to mesh with an associated pinion 46, also iixed to the shaft 39. Hence any motion of a setting lever from to 9 positions will elfect rotation of the pinion 46 to move the slideable members 32 and thereby effect adjustment of associated actuator gears 25 and rack bars 21.

Setting levers 117 are also adapted to rotate rotary switches SW1, SW2, and SW3, in proportional steps so that motion of a setting lever from 0 to 9 positions will effect rotation of a rotary switch through levers 19 and 16 and gears 11 and 19.

The setting of a value for printing will be effected when a setting lever 117 is rotated about shaft 43 to move its associated gear segment 45 and pinions 46 thereby moving the associated slidable bar 32 to move associated rack 21 and adjust a type wheel 111 and an actuator gear 25 which agree with the selected value.

The present invention operates similar to a postage meter when a key is inserted into key switch 59. As shown at the bottom of FIG. 1, insertion of the key opens normally iclosed switch 59 to deenergize relays R20 and R90 which prevents operation of stepping switch S820, S821, SS22 and SS6 through normally open contacts P20 and P90 to thereby prevent operation of the currency circuitry. That is, there is no currency inserted in the machine and no comparison of cost is necessary. Insertion of the key also energizes the coin solenoid as shown at the bottom right of FIG. 2 and currency change prevention circuitry yand postage motor MT to actuate the printing mechanism as shown at the top right of FIG. 3. It can also be seen from the top right of FIG. 3 that clutch 170 is energized by 59; and, consequently, the insertion of a key into key switch 59* permits the cost set into the machine by levers 117 to be subtracted from a meter register through clutch 170 while the currency circuitry is prevented rfrom unnecessary operation.

An inking means located in case 71, a tape storage means TS, a tape feeding mechanism and pressure or imprint roll assembly, and a conveyor CSO- in cooperation with print drum serve -to provide a means for issuing, in response to circuitry, a printed tape into receptacle 17.

The design and implementation of such a printing assembly is well known in the printing industry and can easily be produced by those skilled in the art.

In the inking area, any type of inking normally used in combination with drum printing will suflice. Advantages are apparent where a reservoir for ink is used together with an ink spreader or roller adjustably mounted in the path of the periphery of the ink roller to provide a uniform iilm of ink on the ink roller from the reservoir.

It is preferable that the ink roller be mounted to allow movement as it contacts the print die on the print drum so that the roller will have uniform contact with the raised surfaces of the die.

When the print die contacts the impression roller the tape is printed and passed forward to conveyor 50 and on to receptacle 17. A knife is used to cut the tape to' the required size as determined by the tape feed mechanism. The impression roller is mounted so that it can move vertically and thus provide a definite pressure by means of a spring load urging the impression roller against the print die.

From the foregoing it will be seen that there is herein provided an improved variable value postage machine `and new actuating circuitry therefor which accomplishes all the objectives of this invention, and others, including many advantages of practical utility and commercial irnportance.

While the embodiment described above is deemed to be the most practical and efficient embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to such embodiment since changes may be made in the arrangement, disposition, form and types of the parts without departing from the principle of the present invention as comprehended within the scope of the accompanying claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a postage vending machine, the combination cornprising first means for representing the cost to the cent of mailing an item,

second means for receiving money inserted in the machine,

third means connected with said second means for determining the total value of the money inserted in the machine,

fourth means for comparing the cost represented by said first means and the total value of money determined by said third means, and providing pulses representing the difference therebetween,

fth means responsive to said fourth means for issuing 'a receipt when the total value of the money inserted is equal to or greater than the mailing cost, and sixth means responsive to said pulses from said fourth means for dispensing change in a plurality of monetary denominations equal to the dilference of the mailing costs and the money inserted in the machine.

2. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said fth means includes means for printing the cost represented by said rst means on said receipt.

3. The invention as recited in claim `1 wherein said second means includes means for receiving and validating coins and bills, and said sixth means includes means for dispensing coins and bills as change.

4. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said first means includes means for representing the cost of special services selected for the item to be mailed, and said fifth means includes means for printing the cost represented by said irst means and the special services selected on said receipt.

5. The invention as recited in 'claim 1 wherein said second means includes means for receiving paper money, means for validating the paper money, storage means and conveyor means for transporting the paper money from said validating means to said storage means, and said sixth means includes conveyor means for transporting paper money from said storage means and dispensing the paper money as change in response to said fourth means.

6. The invention as recited in claim 5 wherein said storage means includes means for collecting paper money when said conveyor means of said sixth means is full.

7. In a postage machine, the combination comprising iirst means for representing the cost of mailing an item,

second means for receiving a key,

meter registering means,

third means responsive to said second means for subtracting the cost represented by said first means from said meter registering means, and

fourth means for issuing a receipt in response to the completed subtraction by said third means.

8. In a vending machine, the combination comprising first means for representing the cost of an item to be dispensed,

second means for receiving coins and paper money inserted in the machine,

third means connected with said second means for totaling the money received thereby, fourth means connected with said first means and said third means for comparing the cost represented 'by said rst means with the total of said third means,

fifth means connected with said fourth means for dispensing the item when the total money received by said second means is greater than or equal to the cost represented by said first means, and

sixth means connected with said fourth means for dispensing change in coins and paper money equal to the difference in the total money received by said second means and the cost represented by said first means.

9. The invention as recited in claim 8, wherein said first means includes means for representing the cost on a bank of contacts, said third means includes means for generating pulses corresponding to the total money received, and said fourth means includes means for moving an arm along said bank of contacts in response to the pulses from said third means whereby said fifth means is operated to dispense the item when the moving arm matches the cost on said bank of contacts.

10. The invention as recited in claim 8 wherein said fifth means includes means for dispensing a receipt having the cost represented by said first means printed thereon.

11. The invention as recited in claim 8 wherein said sixth means includes electrical means to control the dispensing of change such that a minimum number of coins and paper money are dispensed. t

12. The invention as recited in claim 8 wherein said second means includes means for validating the paper money, storage means including a plurality of conveyor belts, and means for transporting the paper money from said validating means to said storage means, and said sixth means includes means for operating said plurality of conveyor belts to dispense paper money as change whereby paper money inserted in the machine may be dispensed as change.

13. The invention as recited in claim 12 wherein said storage means includes a hopper and means for placing paper money in said hopper when said plurality of conveyors is full.

14. Change dispensing apparatus comprising first means for generating pulses representing the change to be dispensed,

second means connected with said first means to receive and count said pulses and to provide an output representative of the change to be dispensed, and

third means connected with said second means and responsive to the output thereof to dispense change, said third means including means for determining the minimum number of monetary denominations required to dispense the correct change.

15. The invention as recited in claim 14 wherein said first means generates a first train of pulses representing units of money and a second train of pulses representing tens of said units of money, said second means includes fourth means for receiving and counting said first train of pulses, fifth means for receiving said second train of pulses and sixth means for providing a pulse to said fifth means when said fourth means has counted ten pulses, and said third means includes seventh means for dispensing change in units of money in response to said fourth means and eighth means for dispensing change in tens of said units of money in response to said fifth means.

16. The invention as recited in claim 15 wherein said first means generates a third train of pulses representing hundreds of said units of money, said second means further includes ninth means for receiving and counting said third train of pulses and tenth means for providing a pulse to said ninth means when said fifth means has counted ten pulses, and said third means includes eleventh means for dispensing change in hundreds of said units of money in response to said ninth means.

17. The invention as recited in claim 15 wherein said second means further includes ninth means connected with said fourth means to generate a pulse When said fourth means has counted at least five pulses, and said third means includes tenth means connected to said ninth means for dispensing change in fives of said units of money in response to said ninth means.

18. The invention as recited in claim 17 wherein said second means further includes eleventh means connected with said fifth means and said ninth means to generate a pulse when said fifth means counts two pulses and said ninth Imeans generates one pulse, and said third means includes twelfth means for dispensing change in twenty-fives of said units of money in response to said eleventh means.

19. In a postage machine, the combination comprising first means for representing the mailing cost of an item, seconds means for satisfying said mailing cost including meter registering means and receiving means for money inserted in the machine, third means connected with said first means for comparing said mailing cost with the meter registering means, fourth means connected with said first means for comparing said mailing cost with the amount of money received `by said receivniaegmsn amount of money received by said receiving means, fifth means for selectively operatively connecting said meter registering means with said third means and said receiving means with said receiving means with said fourth means whereby said mailing cost may be satised by either said meter registering means or said receiving means for money inserted in the machine, and sixth means responsive to said third and fourth means to issue a receipt after subtraction by said third means or comparison by said fourth means.

20. The invention as recited in claim 19 wherein said fifth means includes a switch to control operation of said fourth means and a clutch to control `operation of said third means.

21. The invention as recited in claim 19 wherein said fourth means includes means for dispensing change equal to the difference of the mailing cost and the money inserted in the machine.

22. The invention as recited in claim 19 wherein said first means includes a plurality of manually operated levers for setting the mailing cost into the machine.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,007,167 10/1911 Wickline 133-4 1,290,429 1/1919 Von Pein 133--4 2,876,883 3/1959 Baker et al. 194-10 2,559,796 7/1951 Rath. 3,112,019 11/1963 Simjiam 194-2 WALTER SOBIN, Primary Examiner.

U.S. Cl. X.R. 197--16, 159

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,451,519 June 24, 1969 Eric Cc Wahlberg It is certified that error appears in the above identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 8, line 2, "S526" should read SS6 line 16, "P3

should read P5 line 27, "the irrespective" should read their respective line 34, "S20" should read SSZO line 70 "SSI" should read S841 Column 14, line 32, "comparing" shoul read subtracting same line 32, cancel "with" and insert from said line 35, cancel "amount of money received by said receivniaegmsn".

Signed and sealed this 27th day of October 1970.

(SEAL) Attest:

Edward M. Fletcher, Jr. E. JR.

Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

